OBITUARIES

Raymond Melton Mills

Published

3 years ago

06/09/2023

February 27, 1963 – May 30, 2023
BOWIE – Raymond Melton Mills, 60, passed away suddenly on May 30, 2023.
A celebration of life will be hosted by his children from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 11 in the Chapman Building at 116 W. Wise Street in Bowie. It will be a come-and-go memorial event. His children look forward to gathering with friends and family to remember their dad.
Raymond was born Feb. 27, 1963 in Wilbarger, TX to Oza Ray Mills and Mary Elizabeth Denney. He grew up in Archer City with his five siblings. In his senior year of high school (1982), his classmates voted him to be “Mr. School Spirit” and “Friendliest.” He also was a talented football player for the Archer City High School Wildcats. As a young man Raymond was the lead singer in a Christian rock band called “Seventy Times Seven,” named for Matthew 18:22. Music became a permanent passion in his life and he frequently sang to his friends and family.
From 1990-2020 he was married to Julie Bonham Mills and was blessed with one stepdaughter and five children. Raymond will be fondly remembered by his children as a fun, loving, charismatic and spontaneous father who loved family time. They especially remember watching movies on Friday nights.
He was a hard worker in whatever endeavor he undertook, and his entrepreneurial spirit resulted in many blessings for his family. In 1992 until his passing, Raymond was the president and owner of Mills Bit Service Inc., which was a longtime, successful business related to oil exploration. He was fondly known as “Red” to his customers and even developed his own drill bit line: Life Force PDC.
His children and grandchildren brought him endless joy and happiness. Raymond loved them fiercely and was a proud “Papa.” His favorite thing was taking selfies with them, which are photos they are grateful to have. In his most recent years, he enjoyed traveling the world for business and pleasure. He journeyed to Israel, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Russia and Mexico.
Raymond loved God and was devoted to his Messianic faith. His favorite book of the scriptures was Psalms. His generous spirit resulted in many acts of kindness and he often shared his faith with others.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Joel Ray Mills. This time of mourning has been extremely difficult for his family members, but they know he is rejoicing in the presence of his Heavenly Father and is comforted by being reunited with his son, Joel.
Raymond is survived by his children, Marlaina McKnight and husband Trey, Cassie Smith, Joshua Mills, Mary Beth Miller and husband Michael and Rebekah Mills; seven grandchildren, Bryson, Brylee, Branson, Laramie Sue, Clara, Adele and Olivia; siblings, David Mills, Tom Mills, Eddie Mills, Debbie Poore and husband Ray and Brenda Sentell and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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OBITUARIES

Daniel Forrest Barrett

Published

1 day ago

08/20/2026

bowienews

December 27, 1965 – August 12, 2026
NOCONA – Daniel Forrest Barrett, 60, died on Aug. 12, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
He was born Dec. 27, 1965, in Spring Branch to James Harry Barrett and Opal Laverne Henderson. He played football at Northwestern and went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He worked mostly as a stock broker.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chuck Barrett.
He is survived by his three children, Reagan, Dylan and Connor; two grandchildren; sister, Sherri Lynn Watson; two nieces; one nephew and siblings, Jesse, Rich and Cheryl.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.

OBITUARIES

David Duke

Published

1 day ago

08/20/2026

bowienews

July 24, 1960 – August 12, 2026
WICHITA FALLS – David Duke, 66, died on Aug. 12, 2026 in Wichita Falls, TX.
There was a visitation from 6 – 8 p.m. on Aug. 16 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service was at 10 a.m. on Aug. 17 at the Abundant Life Church officiated by Pastor James Messer.
Interment followed in Terral Cemetery. Pallbearers were Randy Harris, Randy Croxton, Wiley Vanover, Zak Weaver, Bradley Lawrence and Ross Atteberry. Honorary pallbearers were David Morrison and the Red River Dozer Crew.
He was born on July 24, 1960 in Bowie to Harvey and Marjorie Romine Duke. He was a dozer operator mainly for Red River Dozer. He grew up in Terral, OK where he graduated high school. He married Micheal Heathington on Nov. 26, 1994 in Spanish Fort.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife, Micheal Duke; children, Leslie Halt, Kendra Grottie and Kyle Duke; sisters, Delores Weatherly and Sharon Westbrook; brothers, Ricky Duke and Ronnie Duke, and nine grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Eagle Point Cemetery Association.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.

OBITUARIES

Timothy Tompkins

Published

1 day ago

08/20/2026

bowienews

June 12, 1981 – August 2, 2026
DALLAS – Timothy Tompkins, 45, died on Aug. 2, 2026 in Dallas, TX.
There was a memorial service on at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at Shepherd of the Hills Baptist Church with Pastor Dan Sparkman officiating. A private family interment will follow at a later date.
He was born on June 12, 1981 to Sam and Paula Tompkins in Wichita Falls. He was a driver, worked the oil industry for several years, wroked as a ranch manager and carpenter. He was a member of Valley View Baptist Church. He married Christy Marie Harris on Sept. 24, 2005 in Nocona.
He is survived by his wife, Christy Tompkins, Nocona; parents, Sam and Paula Tompkins, Spanish Fort; sister, Amanda York, Wichita Falls; children, Samantha Dawn Tompkins, Stephenville, Brock Wilson Tompkins, Frisco, Deagan Brodie Tompkins, Spanish Fort, Lillian Marie “Lili” Tompkins, Spanish Fort and three nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Shepherd of the Hills Baptist Church, P.O. Box 330, Nocona.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.